Columbus, Ohio – June 8, 2018 - Olentangy Education Foundation (OEF), which enhances academic excellence through grants and scholarships for the Olentangy Local School District (OLSD), welcomes Sue Mahler as its first ever Development Director; a hire intended to aid in growth of the Foundation. Mahler comes to OEF as a long-time supporter of Olentangy Local Schools and brings the experience and energy needed to grow the Foundation.
“This hire is a new part-time position for OEF, as well as the organizations first hire. We believe Sue will tap into the community’s support for our school district,” said Pam Bachman, OEF Board President. “We are excited to welcome Sue to the OEF team, and we look forward to seeing the return on this investment through expanding our support to Olentangy Local Schools, including increased teacher grants that improve the classroom experience for students.”
Mahler brings a wealth of experience within the Olentangy Local School District as well as within Delaware County. Among her many experiences within the District, Mahler served as Chair of the District’s Finance and Audit Committee as well as served in a leadership role in the school ballot issue support organization, Olentangy For Kids, for the past nine successful school ballot issues. Currently, Mahler serves on the Board of The Delaware County Foundation, and is co-founder of Women Giving Together , a giving circle donating to nonprofits in Delaware County.. Additionally, Mahler has earned a MBA degree from Columbia University.
Mahler is impressed by OEF’s focus on awarding grants that are innovative, self-sufficient and impactful for years to come. She added, “As enrollment has increased, our community has more opportunities to enhance the academic experience for students beyond what is funded by operating levies. We want to fill funding gaps for OLSD teachers with teacher-requested grants and other identified enrichment possibilities.” She will implement options for community members and local businesses to create non-endowed and endowed funds at OEF. “Our community knows what a tremendous asset our schools are here at Olentangy, so there’s a real opportunity for businesses and individuals to contribute a difference- making legacy – a gift that will last in perpetuity,” Mahler said. Additionally, OEF will begin hosting an annual giving drive, which will increase OEF’s ability to further augment academic excellence.
OEF is seeking volunteers for a variety of tasks, including event coordination, web development and communications. To connect with Sue Mahler about volunteer opportunities or giving options, please email her at smahler@oef.foundation.
About Olentangy Education Foundation
The Olentangy Education Foundation was founded in 1990 as the Olentangy Pride Foundation, a non-profit, independent organization of community volunteers. Throughout its existence, OEF’s fund raising initiatives have been focused on providing teacher and staff grants for innovative programs that are not funded in the school district’s budget. Since 2001, $700,000 in grants and scholarships has been distributed by OEF. Visit OlentangyEducationFoundation.org for more information.